Renault forced to break curfew to replace Ricciardo’s fractured chassis

The Renault team were forced to break curfew at the Silverstone circuit overnight to build up a new chassis for Daniel Ricciardo, after a hairline fracture was discovered on the Australian’s R.S.20 following yesterday’s practice sessions.

It was the first of two permitted curfew breakages by Renault in 2020, meaning that no action will be taken by the stewards, with Renault confirming that Ricciardo’s new chassis would be ready to go for Free Practice 3 of the British Grand Prix, which begins at 1100 local time. Meanwhile, as the car was not under parc ferme conditions, the change of chassis won't incur a penalty for Ricciardo.

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A statement from Renault on Saturday morning said: “Due to a hairline fracture on the chassis in practice yesterday, Daniel will take a new chassis for the rest of the weekend. The team broke the curfew overnight but all is ready for practice today.”

Ricciardo finished the second practice session on Friday ninth quickest, just ahead of Kimi Raikkonen in the Alfa Romeo, and three places up on his Renault team mate Esteban Ocon.

The Australian driver is looking to build on a solid if unspectacular start to the 2020 season at Silverstone, having notched two eighth place finishes in the previous two races to leave him in 11th in the standings.

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